Tug of War on U.S-Cuba Policy http://www.wola.org/commentary/tug_of_war_on_us_cuba_policy

Geoff Thale on former president Carter's recent trip to Cuba and the U.S. Government's unhelpful announcement days after Last week former President Jimmy Carter traveled to Cuba where he pressed diligently on sensitive matters of bilateral interest, including the imprisonment of USAID subcontractor, Alan Gross. Unfortunately, two days after his return the State Department made an announcement that greatly detracted from the progress made by Carter on his visit.Carter insisted he wasn’t speaking on behalf of Washington, but his visit was read in Cuba as an attempt to open up channels for communication and contact. Carter’s productive trip signified a push toward improving relations between the two countries.

However, just two days after Carter’s return, the Administration took a step backwards. The State Department announced its intention to obligate $20 million to support very controversial “human rights and civil society” programs in Cuba. The State Department obligated funds under Section 109 of the Helms-Burton legislation, the stated purpose of which is to support groups on the island intent on regime change. So if Carter was signaling the possibilities of better relations, the State Department did just the opposite. Rather than opting for productive dialogue, the U.S. government’s announcement showed that hardliners still have a seat at the table in Washington policy making. The State Department’s timing also suspiciously looks like a gambit to undercut efforts to improve relations.